How Ohio could make its roads safer
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State efforts to improve traffic safety have been insufficient to curb what national advocates are calling an "epidemic" of motor vehicle fatalities.
Why it matters: A total of 1,189 people have died in car crashes this year, per the Ohio State Highway Patrol — more than three people on average each day.
- The staggering total could be lowered with stricter safety laws and enforcement, researchers argue.
- Columbus saw a spike in fatal crashes last year, including those involving pedestrians, motorcycles and bicycles.
Driving the news: The Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety released its 2023 legislative roadmap this week, endorsing 16 laws it believes states should adopt.
What they found: Ohio is middle-of-the-pack, an improvement from last year, though it still has just four of the 16 recommended laws on the books.
- The Buckeye State was credited for being one of 19 states to permit automated speed enforcement.
Yes, but: We were dinged for not enforcing front and rear occupant seatbelt violations as a primary offense — meaning law enforcement can't pull over a vehicle for that sole reason.
- Our state also lacks helmet requirements for all motorcycle riders, robust texting restrictions and various other suggested laws related to child safety and teen driving.
What we're watching: The state legislature is considering a bipartisan bill to strengthen Ohio's distracted driving laws.
- House Bill 283, still needing Senate approval and a governor's signature, would prohibit drivers from "using, holding or physically supporting" cell phones and other electronic devices unless in an emergency.
- Other exceptions are given while drivers are waiting at a red light, holding a phone to their ear or using speakerphone.
- According to the 2023 Advocates report, Ohio is one of only four states where such restrictions are not already in effect.